The governor’s office released a statement saying that heavy rains and high winds were likely to result and that tornadoes were possible. Parts of Alabama could be placed under tornado watches or warnings, the statement said.

An advisory issued at 1 p.m. by the National Hurricane Center indicated the storm continued to move north-northwest with sustained winds of 50 mph, but its forward speed had decreased slightly to only 9 mph.

“Residents and businesses along Alabama’s coast should monitor weather conditions and be prepared for whatever this tropical storm may bring,” Bentley said. “By declaring this state of emergency, I am mobilizing the resources our communities need as the storm approaches.”

“The governor’s issuance of the State of Emergency places Alabama National Guard members and all emergency response agencies on alert for the potential impact of Tropical Storm Karen,” said Alabama EMA Director Art Faulkner.